Temporal Arteritis
What is it?
Temporal arteritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the medium and large arteries. It is called
"temporal" arteritis because it most commonly affects the temporal arteries, which run from the carotid artery in the neck along the temples in the head. When these arteries become inflamed, it affects the blood supply to the scalp, jaw muscles, and salivary glands. However, temporal arteritis can also affect other arteries throughout the body. Temporal arteritis is a type of vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels. It may also be known as cranial arteritis or giant cell
arteritis.
Who gets it?
Temporal arteritis occurs most often in approximately 20 out of every 100,000 people over the age of 50. It occurs more often in women than men, and is more common among people of northern European
descent (such as Germans, Scandinavians, and the British). People who have close relatives with temporal arteritis may be more likely to also have the
disease.
What causes it?
Doctors are not sure why, but temporal arteritis appears to be caused by exposure to some factor that causes the immune system to attack the elastic layer of the medium and large blood vessels. It appears that, in some people, the immune system mistakes the blood vessels for foreign substances and attacks them. The immune system sends chemicals and giant immune cells, called antibodies, to fight the invader. These damage the blood vessels, which become inflamed, narrowed, and even blocked, limiting blood flow and supply. The fact this disease can run in families is evidence that there is also a hereditary link.
What are the symptoms?
People with temporal arteritis may feel at first as though they have the flu. They may have a low fever, body aches, and a dull headache. Because the temporal arteries are inflamed, the jaw may ache, the scalp may be sensitive to the touch in the affected area, and the arteries on the side of the forehead may be visibly swollen. The symptoms become more severe with time. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include severe headache, hearing problems, blurred vision, and temporary blindness. In advanced cases, some people may lose their vision permanently, suffer stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or heart attack. About half of the people who have temporal arteritis will experience stiffness and pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. This condition is called polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Symptoms of temporal arteritis usually last for around two years, but can be relieved with
treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose temporal arteritis, your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. It is important to describe your symptoms clearly and completely. Your doctor may be able to detect a swollen, inflamed artery in the temple or scalp. He or she will take a blood sample to check for signs of anemia and to perform a test of erythrocyte (red blood cell) sedimentation rate. The rate at which the red bloodcells sink to the bottom of a test tube indicates any inflammation. Your doctor will also take a tissue sample of the temporal artery, called a temporal artery biopsy, to look for inflammation.
What is the treatment?
The goal is to decrease the immune system's production of antibodies, usually with medications called steroids. Steroids, such as prednisone, stop inflammation. While you will notice some improvement within 24 hours, most patients need to take the medication for at least two years to relieve symptoms until the disease has run its course. Steroids are not a cure for temporal arteritis, but symptoms usually do not return if you follow the full course of treatment. The medication is slowly reduced, never stopped suddenly. During your treatment, your doctor will continue to order blood tests to monitor the disease. Most patients can be successfully treated and avoid blindness. Your doctor may also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for any muscle
aches.
Self-care tips
Patients who are diagnosed with temporal arteritis early in the course of the disease have the greatest chances of successful recovery. So, it's extremely important to see your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of this disease. Follow the recommended treatment exactly as prescribed. Notify your doctor immediately if you notice any vision changes during treatment.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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